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Home > Insights > Business Immigration Zone (BIZ): Worksite Enforcement Is Back and Employers Should Take Note

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Business Immigration Zone (BIZ): Worksite Enforcement Is Back and Employers Should Take Note

January 11, 2018

Federal immigration agents bombarded 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country on January 10, arresting alleged undocumented employees and demanding employment verification paperwork from managers. The Trump administration described this operation as its largest worksite enforcement operation against employers to date. These types of worksite enforcement actions likely will continue for the foreseeable future, so employers should start the New Year by making sure their employment eligibility verification policies and documents are in order.

Yesterday’s enforcement sweeps targeted 98 stores in 17 states from California to Florida. The workers who were arrested likely will be placed in removal proceedings. It is unclear whether store managers and employers will be prosecuted, but criminal prosecution and civil monetary penalties are “fair game” under the currently applicable statutes. In short, the Trump administration’s message is clear as Thomas D. Homan, top official of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stated:

“Today’s actions send a strong message to U.S. businesses that hire and employ an illegal work force. ICE will enforce the law, and if you are found to be breaking the law, you will be held accountable.”

Employers should take action to ensure compliance and to prepare in the chance that their business is raided by the federal government.